The department issued a warning last week about the increase in mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus, Minnesota Public Radio reports, even though the number of mosquitoes overall is on the decline.

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Since the West Nile virus is a potentially life-threatening disease, department officials are urging Minnesotans to take precautions to protect themselves by using mosquito repellants and other methods to prevent bites.

Dave Neitzel, a state epidemiologist, tells MPR that the chances of contracting West Nile are very low, since most people's immune systems fight it off.

According to the department, the instances of West Nile virus is much higher in western and central Minnesota, because mosquitoes carrying the virus are more prevalent in agricultural areas than cities.

The Minnesota Department of Health reports a St. Louis County man tested positive for West Nile after visiting south-central Minnesota in late May. He is currently recovering at a hospital. Minnesotans are urged to protect themselves from this potentially life-threatening disease by taking some simple precautions against mosquito bites.